It's dismaying to read that SUNY Oneonta had to cancel in person classes less than two weeks after classes started because nearly 400 students contracted the coronavirus. It seems a few students threw parties even when they were not suppose to. They just couldn't wait, no matter what....a pandemic? We won't get seriously ill, so they thought. So sad. Five students were suspended because they organized those parties. But there were plenty of students who attended those parties, even knowing that it didn't make good sense and they could contract a serious disease.
Sounds like science fiction. Students who tested positive were told they had to leave their dorms, some in the middle of the night , teary-eyed, being escorted by people in hazmat suits.
And it's not only happening in upstate NY. Plenty of other campuses, who've just opened, are having problems controlling their students, who just have to party. The party must go on, regardless of the consequences. Nationwide this is a problem, with outbreaks on campuses in Georgia, Texas and Iowa. Even the University of Notre Dame, couldn't convince students that the partying had to wait.
It seems some students are not wearing masks, they are not social distancing, and they cannot resist gathering on and off campus for socialization.
Dr. Deborah Birx, said at a news conference that students should isolate in their colleges if infected with Covid-19. "Do not return home if you're positive and spread the virus to your family, your aunts, uncles and grandparents."
But in many cases, that's not happening. Concerned parents are picking up their kids and bringing them home. (I probably would have done the same.) Hopefully they're isolating at home, but their families are still being exposed.
I wonder, if students were all tested before going onto the campuses? Were they told how serious the situation was? Were they warned sufficiently? Were the consequences of ignoring the rules not to party or gather in large groups made crystal clear? I tend to doubt it.
I pray for a safe, effective vaccine as soon as possible, so we can all get our lives back. Please God enlighten those seeking the vaccine and cure. After all, the party must go on.
NJA
